Senior figures in European football want Arsene Wenger to run for FIFA presidency against Gianni Infantino
European football officials are reportedly encouraging Arsene Wenger to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. While Wenger has not expressed interest, supporters believe his reputation could provide a necessary alternative to the current leadership.
Why it matters
A potential leadership change at FIFA could significantly alter the governance and development priorities of the world's most popular sport.
Senior figures in European football want Arsene Wenger to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, according to BBC Sport .
Many are frustrated with the governing body's leadership and have called for an alternative, as he currently faces no opposition ahead of the next election.
Infantino is widely expected to secure re-election for a fourth and final term next year, despite criticism over the collapse of his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.
However, some influential figures believe Wenger could add the credibility and global appeal required to mount a serious challenge.
The former Arsenal manager has served as FIFA's chief of global football development since 2019, leaving the Gunners after 22 years in charge.
Wenger has not indicated that he intends to challenge Infantino.
Nevertheless, his supporters believe his reputation across continents could make him an attractive alternative to Infantino.
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